Best known as “the high priestess of punk” and “Queen to Extreme”, this fashion designer energized the fashion world. She was full of energy and pushed boundaries up until her death. In 1992, she even received the Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth.

Vivienne Westwood, British fashion designer extrodanaire passed away peacefully in London on Thursday. She was 81 years old and surrounded by family.

Frankly, Westwood did not give a flying hoot. She flaunted her orange-tinted hair and pale complexion. In time, she rose to a British national treasure. The fashion designer made her biggest impact with Punk rock fashions.

She was born in Derbyshire, England April 8, 1941. Her mom was a weaver, her dad was a cobbler. Vivienne got her start by creating her own clothes during her teenage years.

In the 1970’s, Westwood’s second husband McLaren managed the Sex Pistols. Ms. Westwood was instrumental in designing the Punk look.

Her clothing design ranged from bondage wear to tartan plaids. One of her designs featured The Queen with a safety pin piercing her royal lip. Some of her biggest fans are curvy icons Nigella Lawson and Marion Cotillard. Her fashions were also featured in the 2008 Sex and The City Film.

Ms. Westwood took on her third marriage in 1992. She married Andreas Kronthaler. He was 25 years younger than her. They were co-designers until heer took her ready-to-wear line in 2016. Her husband released a statement about her death “I will continue with Vivienne in my heart. We have been working until the end and she has given me plenty of things to get on with. Thank you darling.”

Westwood fought for the planet, she advocated for quality over quantity (especially in regards to fashion. One of her famous slogans is “What’s good for the planet is good for the economy.”

Her famous friends have also expressed condolences. Victoria Beckham paid tribute to Westwood saying : “I’m so sad to learn of the passing of legendary designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood.

“My thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time.”

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs said on Instagram: “You did it first. Always. Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance…

Rock Star Billy Idol tweeted RIP it will take me a bit to take this in…”.

Rest In Peace Vivienne.

[Image credit: Wikipedia]